Sweet Carolina buzz for Panthers

Author(s):

Jeff Howe

Patriots Notebook

Five weeks ago, speculation swirled around the Panthers’ early-season swoon as it related to the future of the current regime.

Third-year coach Ron Rivera, who arrived in 2011 with No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton, led his team to a flat performance in a loss to the Cardinals that dropped the Panthers to 1-3. Rivera, it appeared, might not last the season if the results didn’t improve.

Since then, the Panthers have amassed a five-game winning streak that is tied for the second longest in the NFL, and Sunday’s 10-9 road victory against the 49ers has vaulted them into the category of Super Bowl contenders.

As such, there is surging intrigue for the Patriots’ Monday night affair with the NFC’s up-and-coming franchise.

“It’s certainly been interesting watching Carolina play,” coach Bill Belichick said. “They’ve really played well, winning five in a row, big win on the road against San Francisco (on Sunday). Good football team, doing a lot of things well. Well-coached, good discipline, good techniques, good fundamentals.

“They’re an opportunistic team as well as (a) physical team that can rush the passer, stop the run and make plays in the kicking game.”

The Panthers have outscored their opponents, 140-57, during their streak, and their second-ranked defense hasn’t allowed more than 15 points in any of their last five games.

Because of the Panthers’ recent buzz and the fact this is their first Monday night game at home since 2008, the energy in Charlotte will be as electric as ever. It’s the Panthers’ chance to make a statement in back-to-back weeks, and the Patriots have to meet that challenge.

“It will be a big challenge for us going down there on Monday night,” Belichick said. “I’m sure there will be a lot of energy in the stadium, and we’ll have to match that. With the roll that they’re on, it’s a good football team. I’m sure they’ll be ready to go Monday night.”

Chances dwindling

The Patriots’ defensive front doesn’t appear to have any more top-line help on the way.

Rookie defensive lineman Armond Armstead, who is on the non-football illness list with an infection, is facing a deadline this week, and Belichick didn’t sound optimistic yesterday.

“We’re running out of time,” Belichick said. “I’d say that looks less likely now with each day that goes by.”

Armstead, who had six sacks last season in the CFL, has to begin practicing this week or his season officially will be over. He’s been on the NFI list since the start of training camp due to an undisclosed infection.

The Patriots had high hopes for Armstead in 2013, believing he could step right in as the third defensive tackle on the depth chart, behind Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly. But Armstead, who essentially can play any position up front except the nose, has not been on the field since offseason workouts. He regularly has attended meetings this season, and he has worked out to a degree, but he hasn’t been medically cleared to join the team for practice.

Wide receiver Mark Harrison, who is also on the NFI list as he recovers from a broken foot, hasn’t been around the facility as regularly. His deadline is also this week, but signs have pointed to him missing the season for several weeks.

Weekend honor

Cornerback Kyle Arrington returned to Gwynn Park High School in Maryland on Saturday. The football team retired his No. 6 jersey at halftime.